The Port of Cape Town has reached a significant milestone by accommodating the MSC Ines, the longest vessel ever to dock at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). The 348.5-meter vessel surpassed the previous record of 336 meters for ‘length overall restrictions’ at the port. MSC Director of Operations, Captain Ian Rosario, attributed this achievement to the guidance of Harbourmaster Captain Alex Miya and Deputy Harbourmaster Captain Marcus Rammutloa, along
Category: Shipping News
CMA CGM Expands Moroccan Presence with New Terminal at Nador West Med Port
French shipping giant CMA CGM has solidified its position in Morocco by partnering with local port operator Marsa Maroc to manage half of the new east terminal at the Nador West Med Port. Located in northeastern Morocco, this facility will have a capacity of 1.2 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) once fully operational. Industry experts, including Alphaliner, see Morocco’s strategy with Nador West Med as an effort to replicate the
Port of Los Angeles Achieves Record-Setting Quarter with 27% Rise in Cargo Volume
The Port of Los Angeles recorded a new monthly high in September, handling 954,706 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a 27% increase over the same month last year. This surge propelled the port to its best quarter ever, with 2.85 million TEUs processed in the third quarter, surpassing its previous record set in the second quarter of 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los
20 Crew Rescued After Fire Engulfs Sea Harvest Vessel Near Cape Town
Twenty crew members were safely rescued after a fire broke out aboard the Sea Harvest fishing vessel, MVF Armana, while it was sailing approximately 60 nautical miles off the coast of Cape Town, Western Cape, on Sunday. The fire occurred during the early morning hours on the 62-year-old vessel, initially raising concerns that it might sink. However, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), based at the South African Maritime Safety
Maersk Optimistic About Suez Canal Reopening Amid Regional Conflict
As the Middle East teeters on the brink of wider conflict, Danish shipping giant Maersk remains optimistic that it’s not a question of if, but when, the vital Suez Canal will regain its prominence in maritime trade. On November 19, it will mark one year since Yemen’s Houthi rebels hijacked the roll-on roll-off carrier Galaxy Leader in the southern Red Sea, forcing its crew at gunpoint to head to the
South Africa’s Container Throughput Declines Amid Operational Challenges and Court Ruling
Following a relatively stable performance at the end of September, the beginning of October saw an 8% decline in container throughput at South African ports, dropping from a daily average of 8,072 to 7,384 containers week-on-week. The latest Cargo Movement Update, compiled by the South African Association of Freight Forwarders and Business Unity SA, indicated that port operations were primarily hampered by inclement weather, equipment breakdowns, and shortages. The report
Escalating Attacks in the Black Sea Threaten Global Shipping and Food Security
The Black Sea has become a perilous zone for merchant vessels as Russian military forces intensify their attacks on Ukraine’s export routes, according to reports from the BBC and Reuters. Recent escalations have seen a surge in assaults on commercial vessels, marking the fourth attack in less than a month and posing a serious threat to global supply chains. Following a relatively calm period for shipping, these renewed hostilities highlight
Chancay Port Set to Become Major South America-Asia Shipping Hub
Peru’s Chancay Port, envisioned as a key trade link between South America and Asia, is set to begin shipping two container vessels per week by the end of November, according to Carlos Tejada, general manager of Cosco Shipping Chancay Peru, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Cosco Shipping. The port will initially provide a direct route to Shanghai, with potential expansion to other Asian destinations based on demand. Tejada explained that
Cargo Ship Awaits Inspection After Running Aground Off Isle of Wight
A cargo ship that ran aground on a sandbank after losing power is currently anchored off the Isle of Wight, awaiting an underwater inspection. The ONE Maneuver grounded on Bramble Bank at approximately 15:50 BST on Tuesday after departing from Southampton. The bright pink containership was successfully refloated with the assistance of tugs and moved off the southeast coast of the island. Ocean Network Express (ONE) reported that there have
US Port Strike Threat Prompts Shipping Lines to Impose Surcharges
Shipping companies are preparing for a potential strike at US ports along the East and Gulf Coasts as negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the US Maritime Alliance remain at a standstill. Major carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM, and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), have announced surcharges in anticipation of the disruption. These companies expect continued strong cargo traffic during the peak season but are warning of global port